Patients who depend on oxygen concentrators but cannot afford them are often stuck in hospitals.

While taking up a much-needed bed, they are also frustrated about staying away from family members for too long.

49-year-old Solastika Vendura from Mazana Village in the Kavango East Region is one of those who have been in the Rundu State Hospital for eight months now.

She was diagnosed with a lung condition and diabetes and has been admitted to the Rundu State Hospital since last November.

Vendura is now fit for discharge; however, she cannot go home because she depends on the oxygen concentrator, which she cannot afford.

"I am asking for help from the public, any good Samaritan out there, to help me buy an oxygen machine for myself. Maybe I will go home and be with my family. I have been in here for too long now, more than eight months."

The oxygen concentrator is quoted at N$25,000, and the health authorities cannot help, she says.

A family member, Elizabeth Kaurembi, says the family cannot afford to raise money to buy the machine.